The Swedish extreme skier, Fredrik 'Frippe' Ericsson has fallen to his death on K2 while attempting a climb and ski descent of the Cesen Route from the summit (28,251'). According to his climbing partner at the time Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, Fredrik apparently slipped while fixing rope at the bottom of the infamous 'Bottleneck' section of the Abruzzi Spur at an elevation of almost 27,000' while on a summit attempt from the highest camp 4.
Fredrik had plans to ski from the three highest summits in the world (Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga) and his blog has excellent photos and information from the skiing he did up to this point on K2.
Frippe's fall took place on August 6th while he and Gerlinde were climbing to the summit of K2. There had been previous summit attempts in July and the season was coming to a close before this fatal accident. Boulder-based K2 Guide, Fabrizio Zangrilli was also attempting to summit on the 6th but stayed back in Camp 4 due to unfavorable conditions. The Field Touring Expeditions blog has more information directly from Fabrizio as he assisted Gerlinde in her descent from the Bottleneck in storm conditions and spent much time climbing with Fredrik and Gerlinde on this expedition.
We are very happy to report that Fabrizio has safely returned to Basecamp after his 6th unsuccessful attempt to reach K2's summit- truly the most difficult mountain in the world.
Video from Dave Watson who was the first to ski the Bottleneck on K2 in 2009.
Follow extreme skier Fredrik Ericsson on his journey to Nepal to attempt the first ski descent of the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri (8167m).
